Enric Casanovas

ENRIC CASANOVAS ROY (Barcelona, 1882 - 1948).
"Bust of Anita Solá de Imbert", c. 1939.
Marble.
Signed.
Measurements: 52 x 21 x 22 cm.
Exhibitions: MEAM "Un segle de escultura catalana", 2013. Reproduced in the catalog, p. 154.

Casanovas was an essential figure in the development of modern Catalan sculpture, closely linked to noucentista aesthetics, defending values such as harmony, serenity and measured beauty. This portrait fully embodies these principles, combining psychological sensitivity and formal purity. The face appears serene, with an introspective expression and noble dignity, with softly idealized features that harmonize the naturalism of the portrait with the formal balance typical of noucentisme. The marble is worked with exceptional delicacy, especially on the smooth surfaces of the face and neck, contrasting with the more textured treatment of the bust area and clothing.

The sculptor Enric Casanovas began his training as a disciple of Josep Llimona, and then entered the School of La Lonja in Barcelona. In 1900 he made his first trip to Paris, and on his return he showed his work at Els Quatre Gats. Between 1904 and 1913 he lived between Paris and Barcelona, in contact with Picasso, Maillol and Gargallo, among other artists. In 1920 he obtained a special room at the Fine Arts Exhibition, and in 1922 he took part in the Catalan Artists' Exhibition in Amsterdam. Five years later he showed his work in Italy, and in 1929 he won the gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in Barcelona. In 1932 he enters the Academy of Fine Arts of San Jorge, and in 1935 he obtains the Campeny prize of the Generalitat de Catalunya. He is currently represented in the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Municipal Museum of Tossa de Mar, the Jaume Morera Art Museum in Lleida, the Luis Perlotti Sculpture Museum in Buenos Aires and the MACBA in Barcelona.